The Pruitt-Igoe Myth

"The Pruitt-Igoe Myth" is a documentary that explores the story of Pruitt-Igoe, a large public housing complex in St. Louis built in the 1950s. Initially intended to improve living conditions for low-income residents, it became infamous for poverty, crime, and decay. The film argues that the complex's failure was not solely due to poor residents or design flaws, but also shaped by broader social issues like economic decline, segregation, and inadequate support. It challenges common narratives, suggesting that Pruitt-Igoe's downfall reflects systemic problems rather than individual failings.